Category Archives: Gear

In the most recent edition of Way The Fuck Outside My Comfort Zone Quarterly, I bought a wetsuit!

It started with some casual browsing on Craigslist. I’d looked a couple times but didn’t feel motivated to contact anyone. Then I saw an ad for someone literally five minutes from my house with several new suits for $50/each. I contacted her and she had a couple in my size. For $50. Seriously!

I enlisted one of my besties, Tonia, to come with me for the dual purpose of protecting me from some kind of CraigslistKiller and photographing my first attempt at encasing my body in neoprene. Truly, I wasn’t that concerned. One of the Craigslister’s replies came from an iPad so I trusted her. I probably deserve to be mutilated by a stranger for that level of stupidity.

We arrived at the house and were greeted by Virginia and her husband (didn’t catch his name.) They were super friendly and most definitely not killers of any sort. I had sent my measurements and they had looked at the suit manufacturer’s size charts to pre-select ones that would fit me. Off to the bathroom I went to slip it on.

BWAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAH

Just. Get. Up. My. F*cking. Leg!!!!!!!

Oh my GAWD. Why did Twitter not warn me how difficult this was?!?!?! I had to stop to breathe and calm myself several times. My legs are super thick so the appropriate size does NOT go on easily on my bottom half. Since it wasn’t my suit yet, I couldn’t use baby powder, body glide, or an entire can of Pam.

I finally got it on after about twenty minutes, no joke. The crotch was at my knees. Couldn’t get it on my torso. Crap. Back to the drawing board. This time with the ankles of the suit several inches above my actual ankle, even though I have short legs. Weird.

After another twenty minutes and many encouraging words from Virginia, Nice Husband of Virginia, and Tonia, I was almost there!

Action shot. Note the sweat, er, GLOW.

IT FIT! Thank god because there was no way I was trying another one on. They assured me that it would be much easier in the future and that even though it was difficult to put on, it was certainly the right size. It felt pretty weird but I had full body mobility, especially in my shoulders where it really matters. The crotch was nearer to my crotchal region, though I think I’ll hike it up a bit more next time.

HEY EVERYONE! COME SEE HOW GOOD I LOOK!

Kinda rocking the wetsuit look. It’s like full body industrial spanx!

So, now I have a wetsuit and the world of ColdNorthernCalifornianWater triathlon is wide open. So, I um registered for the Mermaid Tri in Alameda on June 9th. 20 days before my planned triathlon debut at the California Sprint Tri.

Holy shit. I’mma be a triathlete in less than a month. More to say on this decision but even though I have freakout moments, I am very excited and I feel ready. It’s on my home training turf, the swim is short, and it’s a newbie friendly event. I say, bring it!

I delayed writing a lovey Valentine post because the real celebration in my house happens on February 15th. Four years (and one day!) ago, I had a first date with a very sweet, polite, handsome man. We met for drinks and talked for five hours (which I later learned was unprecedented for my beloved introvert!) By the time I got home, I had an email inviting me on a second date. Tacos were consumed and the bond was sealed!

We really like tacos.

My man is a phenomenal gift giver and this Valenversary was no exception.

Say hello to my not at all little friend.

I have finally joined the Garmin Army. Or “Garmy”. No?

I’ve wanted one for ages. In fact, this Christmas was somewhat comical because I received an iPod shuffle (to use in the absence of iPhone) and the Garmin bike mount kit but no watch! Can I get a whomp whomp? But now it’s here and I can finally run empty handed!

My first impression was not that positive. It was so bulky that I panicked and immediately googled “Garmin 310xt uncomfortable” and tweeted a distress call. I was assured that I’d get used to it after only a couple runs.

I also set up my cutie little shuffle. It’s so true: b*tches love miniatures.

So wee! Squee!!

I’ve had a weird workout week due to some tummy trubs and glute pain from sliding too far in a pigeon stretch. Bad week for the booty. I rested on both Wednesday and Thursday so I took advantage of Friday’s stunning weather and had my inaugural Garmin run AND ride!

The run was great. I wasn’t bugged by the watch at all once I started running. I *was* thrilled to have my hands free! It was also much easier to read the display on the go. Even with four data fields displayed.

The ride was even better. The bike mount took two seconds and felt completely secure. Best $5 you can spend.

I love it love it love it. All there is to say. Love it.

I’m pleased to have more detailed data in Garmin Connect. I get very attached to my organizational systems so it will take awhile to get used to using GC. I’m currently importing my data into RunKeeper to ease the transition. Because I am a freak.

After the workouts, I went cheese crazy in Whole Foods. Our evening celebration consisted of a huge plate of delicious antipasti, brownie sundaes and Sopranos. That’s how we roll and we love it!